Often times as actors we unknowingly become our own worst enemy! We make the same mistakes over and over again and expect different results. Let’s take the time to look at our mentality as artists. Are we participating in healthy mantras or sabotaging beliefs? Read “Beliefs That Will Kill Your Career, And How To Squash Them!”

We compare ourselves to others. A friend gets a series regular role and you crumble to pieces wishing it was you instead of her. A classmate books a national commercial and you are full of anger because his Dad pays his rent and you are bartending like a madman! If these scenarios sound vaguely familiar, you are guilty of the biggest artistic no no. Comparing our journey to others will always lead to jealousy, bitterness, and a steady decline in motivation.

Every day we must encourage the artists within us that there is enough goodness for everyone to share in this world. Our role is just still waiting for us. How much better would it feel to be excited to be a part of your friend’s adventures as opposed to the envious villain on the sidelines. Think of the happiness they feel, and celebrate it with them. Won’t it be wonderful to have someone ahead of you that can share insight along the way? Find joy in others success and you will bring a light and positivity to every area of your own life, both in and outside the biz.

Buying into the starving artist mentality. A sure fire way to make certain you never succeed is to fall into the trap of believing it must be torture along the way. If you believe you have to be a poor, heartbroken being to be a performing artist — that is exactly what will happen. It’s like a self fulfilling prophecy. And no one wants to hire a down in the dumps actor desperate for a role.

Time to change your thinking fast. Start getting your finances, relationships, and life organized and watch your creative juices start flowing. Artists actually need safety, structure, and boundaries to create their best work. Think of how much funnier an Improv scene is when there are specific guidelines the actors must follow. Or think of the successful artists in your life. I bet they are thriving in all areas of their life while the ones wallowing in their suffering are still just waiting around for their big break.

Being okay with being unprepared. In a field as competitive as show business, whoever told you that you could just show up and wing it was dead wrong! If you go into an audition and just wait for the muse to miraculously visit you and your work, odds are you’ll be sorely disappointed. Inspiration tends to favor the prepared.

I know as artists we can over-think things, but the solution is not to go at things haphazardly instead. Putting the hard work, time, and research into every audition is the only way you will stand a fighting chance at booking the role. Remember, if you don’t do the work, they can easily find someone else who did. There will be more room for the muse to play if you know what you are doing and your nerves are not getting in the way of your performance. Smart rehearsal gives you a variety of options for how a scene can be played. That way when you are in the room the muse can work her magic because you’ve already done your part.

Getting caught up being a people pleaser. You can be the juiciest peach on the block, but if they’re looking for apples, you aren’t gonna get the part. That’s the biz. But if you bring your fullest, truest self to the room, they may remember you for a part down the line. Win the room, not just the audition! On the other hand if you drive yourself mad trying to figure out what they want, you’ll only bring a watered down version of yourself to the table. And you’ll leave feeling as unsatisfied as they will.

No one ever made a great splash while worrying what everyone around them would think. As hard as it is, we must challenge ourselves to let go of other people’s expectations when it comes to our performances, careers, and life! Free your mind from those worries and you’ll ignite the room with the one-of-a-kind you everyone needs to know!

Break legs,
Megan